If you’re looking to ship a vehicle across state lines, choosing between auto transport companies like AmeriFreight and Montway can be challenging.
These industry leaders seem similar at first glance – they both have over 20 years of experience, multi-million dollar insurance policies to cover your vehicle in case of damage, and promise safe and reliable car shipping.
To help you decide which company best suits your needs, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide comparing AmeriFreight and Montway for auto transport, including:
Table Comparing AmeriFreight and Montway
| Feature | AmeriFreight | Montway |
| Years in Business | 25+ years | 20+ years |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ |
| Insurance | $3 million | $5 million |
| Vehicle Types | Cars, trucks, SUVs, etc | Cars, trucks, SUVs, etc |
| Transport Types | Open carrier, enclosed carrier | Open carrier, enclosed carrier |
| Terminal Shipping? | Yes | No |
| Door-to-Door Shipping | Yes | Yes |
| International Shipping | No | Yes |
| Average Price | $700-$1300 | $595-$1100 |
| Binding Quotes? | No | Yes |
| Satellite Tracking | Yes | No |
| Cancellation Fees | No fees | $250 before dispatch, higher after |
Key Differences Between AmeriFreight And Montway
Now let’s explore these key differences and similarities in more detail across a variety of factors:
Years of Experience and Reputation
With over 25 years in business, AmeriFreight is one of the most established names for coast-to-coast auto transport. Founded in 1997, they helped pioneer the industry.
Montway has also been around for over 20 years, launching their car shipping services in 2001. However, AmeriFreight edges them out slightly when it comes to total time in business.
In terms of reputation, both companies boast flawless A+ ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This indicates a strong history of transparent communication and responsiveness when dealing with customer issues over the decades.
Winner: AmeriFreight by a small margin for longer time in business
Insurance Coverage and Licensing
Sufficient insurance is crucial when letting an auto transport company handle your vehicle. Both AmeriFreight and Montway carry multi-million dollar policies to cover any potential damage, with Montway offering slightly higher maximum coverage at $5 million compared to AmeriFreight’s $3 million.
They also hold all relevant federal and state licenses for regulated car shipping, including:
- USDOT registration
- Motor carrier authority
- Cargo and liability insurance
So both companies check the boxes when it comes to insurance and compliance for safe, legal operation. Montway’s higher policy ceiling gives them a slight edge.
Winner: Montway for $5 million insurance coverage
Vehicle Types Supported
AmeriFreight and Montway are both well equipped to transport everyday vehicles like:
- Sedans
- Coupes
- Trucks
- SUVs
- Motorcycles
So they can handle anything from small economy cars to large trucks and RVs.
As long as you own a standard consumer vehicle meant for personal use on public roads, it should not pose any issues for shipping.
Exotic vehicles may require special handling, so check with their teams if you need to transport a high-end sports car, classic ride, or other specialty vehicle.
Winner: Tie
Open Vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
AmeriFreight and Montway offer both open carrier transport, where vehicles are shipped on an uncovered trailer bed exposed to the elements, as well as enclosed transport for more protection.
Open shipping tends to be more affordable since it fits more cars on each truck. Enclosed trailers also have storage limitations on vehicle height and width.
But for anyone shipping a high value classic car or wanting added protection from road debris and weather, enclosed carriers provide more specialized shipping in containers away from potential damage factors.
So no matter if you need cost-effective open transport or more sensitive enclosed transit for extra assurance, both these companies can deliver.
Winner: Tie
Terminal Shipping Option
One area where AmeriFreight beats out Montway is offering terminal-based shipping. This provides an affordable middle ground between standard open transport and fully enclosed end-to-end transit.
With terminals, your vehicle gets transported on open trailers between hub locations before being stored in an enclosed, monitored facility. Then drivers complete the final delivery on another enclosed truck for enhanced protection compared to staying out in the open air the entire way.
Since Montway does not offer terminal-based shipping, anyone wanting this extra security blanket may prefer AmeriFreight’s options.
Winner: AmeriFreight for terminals
Local Pickup and Delivery
For maximum convenience, AmeriFreight and Montway both provide door-to-door auto transport.
That means drivers will pick your vehicle up from your home or another address of your choosing and deliver directly to its destination.
No need to drop off and pick up from shipping hubs yourself.
So they aim to handle the first and last mile no matter where your car sits before its cross-country trek.
This hands-off approach makes arranging long distance transport much simpler.
Winner: Tie
Domestic vs International Shipping
When it comes to crossing national borders, Montway sets itself apart by facilitating auto transport between the US and overseas destinations. That includes popular routes like:
- USA to Canada
- USA to Mexico
- USA to Europe
Meanwhile, AmeriFreight focuses strictly on domestic shipping within the continental United States.
So for anyone needing to grab their car as they move abroad or studying overseas, Montway has the global infrastructure to assist with export and import details. AmeriFreight stays stateside.
Winner: Montway for international transport
Cost and Quotes
On first glance, Montway’s average pricing range of $595 to $1100 for US mainland transport seems more affordable than AmeriFreight’s estimates between $700 and $1300. However these broad estimates are not binding quotes.
The final AmeriFreight quote depends on detailed shipment specifics put into their calculator. Rates vary based on:
- Vehicle type
- Distance travelled
- Route complexity
- Seasonal demand
- Type of carrier
Montway may advertise lower baseline prices to attract customers. But they also optimize quotes for profit per job like other brokers. Without locking down fixed pricing upfront before pickup, actual charges from either company could sway above initial ballpark figures.
However Montway does offer one advantage – binding quotes with guaranteed all-in pricing before pickup. AmeriFreight only provides rate estimates that may fluctuate before cementing the final transport contract.
So while Montway advertises cheaper deals and reveals binding all-in pricing from the start, AmeriFreight offers more personalized quotes tailored to your exact shipment’s needs. There is no clear winner on cost due to these varying quote styles.
Winner: Tie
Satellite Tracking and Monitoring
Staying updated on your vehicle’s status during transit brings peace of mind. AmeriFreight vehicles feature real-time GPS tracking to pinpoint location updates as your car gets delivered across the country.
Their online dashboard also provides time-stamped status alerts so you know when it gets handed off between drivers along the relay route.
Montway does not advertise similar satellite tracking capabilities or enroute dashboards to monitor vehicle location play-by-play. You mainly communicate through the initial coordinator about scheduling rather than accessing self-service tracking tools.
So AmeriFreight edges out Montway when it comes providing tech-enhanced visibility on your car’s ongoing progress during transport.
Winner: AmeriFreight for GPS tracking
Cancellation Policies
No matter how carefully you plan long distance vehicle transport, unexpected situations leading to a cancellation can pop up. Illness, family emergencies, employment changes, and more may force your hand.
If you need to cancel with AmeriFreight there are no explicit penalties mentioned in their policy. As long as you have not yet handed your car over to be shipped, you can likely back out penalty-free by contacting your coordinator.
However Montway enforces strict cancellation fees:
- $250 before dispatch
- $350 within first 24 hours
- Full freight charges apply after 24 hours into transit
With steep cancellation penalties locking in 24 hours into the shipment, Montway offers less flexibility to change plans. Re-routing or delaying already dispatched vehicles also incurs $150+ charges.
AmeriFreight does not specify similar liquidated damages so may handle cancellations more flexibly.
Winner: AmeriFreight with no listed cancellation penalties
Also Read: How Global Rescue And Ripcord Travel Insurances Stack Up?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below we answer some common questions car owners have when evaluating auto transport companies like AmeriFreight and Montway.
Yes, AmeriFreight is fully licensed, bonded, and insured for regulated auto transport across the US. Founded in 1997, they are one of the most reputable and established carriers with over 25 years of coast-to-coast vehicle shipping.
Key legitimacy indicators include:
1. Legal USDOT operating authority
2. $3 million insurance policy
3. A+ Better Business Bureau rating
4. Excellent customer reviews
5. Long track record over decades in business
So AmeriFreight checks all the boxes as a legitimate auto transport broker you can trust with your vehicle.
The “best” car shipping company ultimately depends on your specific needs in terms of:
1. Vehicle type
2. Delivery timeframe
3. Budget
4. Pickup/dropoff locations
5. Must-have services like real-time tracking
Top rated brokers include AmeriFreight, Montway, Sherpa, Easy Auto Ship, and uShip. We recommend comparing multiple free quotes to find your perfect balance of reliability, protection, and affordability.
Yes, Montway establishes itself as a legitimate and generally reliable auto shipper through:
1. 20+ years of experience
2. Licensed USDOT operating authority
3. $5 million insurance policy
4. A+ Better Business Bureau rating
5. Positive customer reviews
They tick the standard boxes for a trustworthy company. Top advantages are competitive baseline pricing and international shipping capabilities. Downsides may include no satellite tracking and steep cancellation penalties.
So they are reasonably reliable thanks to experience, licenses, insurance policies protecting your vehicle, and strong BBB reputation. But we suggest comparing to AmeriFreight quotes for potentially better tech features, flexibility, and service customization.
As one of the largest vehicle transport brokers coordinating drivers across North America and overseas, Montway competes with companies like: AmeriFreight, Sherpa Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, uShip, Republic Elite Logistics, Livingston International.
Montway keeps pace with these industry leaders in years of operation, insurance limits, safety compliance, range of services, and geographic coverage. Areas they excel in include affordability and international transport reach.
Comparing their quotes and service offerings side-by-side against competitors can help determine if Montway or alternatives like AmeriFreight better fit your situation.
Closing Remarks
We hope this detailed feature comparison helps you determine if established carriers AmeriFreight or Montway are best for your upcoming auto transport needs.
Both demonstrate legitimacy through 20+ years in business, strong BBB ratings, and multi-million insurance policies. Choosing between them means weighing factors like:
- AmeriFreight’s included GPS tracking and terminal shipping
- Montway’s binding quotes and international capabilities
To find the right fit for your vehicle, budget, and priorities as you relocate across the country or overseas, consult free quotes from both these top brokers. Comparing personalized prices and services will reveal which provides better overall value to safely get your car delivered door-to-door.
